Bird Cherry Hedge (Prunus padus)

Bird Cherry Hedging Plants Description

Bird Cherry (Prunus padus) is a deciduous native hedge plant that is also commonly grown as a tree. Despite its name, 'padus' means 'wild cherry' in Greek, but it is distinct from the Wild Cherry (Prunus avium).

In late spring, Bird Cherry produces clusters of white, almond-scented flowers on short racemes. These nectar-rich flowers attract bees, providing an early source of food and pollen. Following the flowering period, bitter dark fruits develop, which are favoured by birds and small mammals but are inedible for humans. The foliage also supports various insects, including moth caterpillars, although it is toxic to livestock.

With an average growth rate of 20-40 cm per year, Bird Cherry can be maintained at a height of 1-4 metres. It requires minimal trimming and is best left to grow naturally. If necessary, light pruning can be done in the summer after flowering and fruiting, as winter pruning can increase the risk of disease.

Prunus padus is often used in mixed native hedges but also serves as an attractive stand-alone hedge. It thrives in most soil types, including poor or wet soils, and is commonly found in wetland areas or near rivers and streams. However, Bird Cherry is not suitable for coastal areas, very exposed sites, or full shade, although it is hardier than Wild Cherry.

Pruning Advice

Bird Cherry is typically grown for its natural aesthetic and is often left to grow with minimal intervention. However, depending on its location, light pruning may be necessary to tidy the hedge. This should be done in the summer, after flowering and fruiting, to remove any dead, broken, crossing, or diseased branches.

Pruning Bird Cherry at inappropriate times, especially during the winter, can be detrimental to the plant and may increase susceptibility to diseases such as Silver Leaf and bacterial canker. To maintain the health of your Bird Cherry hedge, prune only when necessary and ideally during the summer months.

Further Information

Planting distances are very much a matter of choice - for bare roots, 3 plants per metre is adequate, 5 is good, 7 in a double staggered row will give a dense hedge quicker. Generally, smaller plants should be planted at higher density. Cell grown should be planted at 4 per metre in a single row or ideally 6 per metre in a staggered row.

Delivery & Returns

Free delivery is available on most orders (except Premium Products) providing they meet the minimum spend criteria for the size of box or pallet. Pallet deliveries and large box deliveries for tall plants are indicated by icons on the product table listings. Delivery costs and minimum order details for each packaging type are as follows:

* Standard Sized Boxes (Bare root up to 1.2m tall & pots up to 7.5L) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £100 | or £7.99 charge.

* Tall Sized Boxes (Bare roots 1.2m & over) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £100 | or £14.99 charge.

* Pallets (Root balls, large pots 10L+, trees etc | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £350 | or £60 charge.

* Pleached Trees (Specialist Delivery) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £1500 | or £450 charge.